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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 02-11-2011, 07:07 PM
Cruizer Bill's Avatar
Cruizer Bill Cruizer Bill is offline
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Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes?  
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I used to shoot a Smith Model 52-2 in the bullseye matches. Wonderful gun and very accurate to be sure, however, it had a nasty habit. If you did not have a rock solid follow-through on your shots, the wadcutter would have a tendency to keyhole at 50 yards. This is true of the M1911 .38 Special conversions too and it true with everyone I've met who has one. They all keyhole if you don't have an excellent follow-though.

Now, here's my question: Why don't revolvers keyhole with the same ammo? I love to shoot my K38 and my 686 with the 148 HBWCs at 50 yards and they simply do not keyhole. I have never had a problem with keyholes at all. Anyone know why the difference? Is it different twist rates?
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Bill
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Old 02-11-2011, 07:37 PM
GyMac GyMac is offline
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Interesting. I remember a comment by Jim Clark I read that wadcutters had to be sent with some force to the 50 yard line. What worked at 25 yards, wouldn't do at 50. My initial reaction is that it's the load and not the gun, but you seem to have ruled this out?
I do agree that the 52 requires concentration on follow through, but just for accuracy in general, and not bullet-tipping. I admit to very little experience with any .38 match guns.
Chris
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Old 02-11-2011, 07:41 PM
GyMac GyMac is offline
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Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes? Why no Keyholes?  
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I would add that there has to be a difference in ammo, even if the load is the same, for the cartridges to function in the autos. I'm sure that you're aware of that, too, though.
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686, bullseye, k38, model 52, wadcutter

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